Returning to Frostbane Imperial Palace was something everyone had been eagerly anticipating. After so many ordeals, their faces finally lit up with excitement—they could finally go home.
Here, nobody had ever slept well, enjoyed a proper bath, or savored real wine. Their days had been soaked in blood and death, but now that nightmare was finally over. Each person was already thinking about the very first thing they'd do once they got back.
Everyone soared into the sky, racing toward the Teleportation Gate. Flying felt almost unfamiliar—like they'd forgotten how, but it was indescribably comfortable and freeing. The howling wind and swirling snow couldn't dampen their burning desire to return home.
The Teleportation Gate wasn't large—only ten people could pass at a time. Before long, everyone had returned to Frostbane Imperial Palace, where a crowd was already waiting, including Nolan Nangong, Jade Qin, and others.
Of course, over these decades, several more had ascended: Ethan Chu, Cole Chu, Lena Chu, and Faye Knox. But Chase Chu hadn't ascended to the Immortal Realm—he'd gone straight to the Netherworld. From Lena Chu, Evan learned that Princess Ivy and Chase Chu had both entered the Netherworld.
Evan couldn't help feeling a bit frustrated by this outcome. Chase Chu could absorb Immortal Spirit Force, so why did he end up in the Netherworld? Nobody knew. Still, now that Evan knew how to reach the Netherworld, he wasn't too worried—after the Immortal-Beast War, he'd head there to find them.
Evan took his seat at the top of the main hall. Everyone who'd been in seclusion had come out, including Gavin Wei, who shocked everyone by emerging as a late-stage Da Luo Golden Immortal. Ancient Immortal reincarnators really were different.
Lillian Zhang was only a late Heavenly Immortal, so she was stunned to see Serena Frost in person. She'd seen Serena's soul-projection before, but never expected to meet her here—and the fact that both master and disciple had become Evan's women was almost too ironic to believe.
Master and disciple had plenty to talk about. As for Lena Chu and Cole Chu's arrival, Serena Frost and Lynn Ling could only accept it. Faye Knox had long known Evan had many women, but didn't expect him to add three more in the Immortal Realm. Though she felt a bit annoyed, she could only accept it.
Before Evan returned, everyone had already grown familiar; now they'd become close sisters who could talk about anything. Seeing his women get along so well, Evan felt a wave of relief—at least he wouldn't have to waste time explaining things.
Evan sat at the highest seat in the hall; his wives sat just below, while Nolan Nangong, Jade Qin, and others sat to the left. Over a hundred people filled the hall, many unfamiliar to Evan—and not weak, either. Some were even late-stage Immortal Emperors.
Naturally, these people were all from hidden families. With the Immortal-Beast War about to erupt, everyone had come out of hiding—protecting the Immortal Realm was everyone's duty, and now was the time for unity.
But many looked at Evan with outright disdain—clearly, they dismissed him because of his age and cultivation. At the moment, Evan was only showing mid-stage Immortal Emperor power.
In the Immortal Realm, that made Evan a decent expert, but compared to ancient immortals or hidden family powerhouses, he was nothing special. Yet Nolan Nangong and Jade Qin, who truly understood him, were stunned by his leap to mid-stage Immortal Emperor.
Before, Evan was invincible at late Immortal Lord; now, after two breakthroughs, even god-tier experts could be slain easily. That made everyone even more confident about the coming Immortal-Beast War.
Evan addressed the crowd: 'Since you all gathered at Frostbane Imperial Palace, it means you respect me, Evan. The Immortal-Beast War is about to break out, and this concerns countless lives across the Immortal Realm—we can't afford any mistakes. I want to hear everyone's thoughts.'
'Evan, this Immortal-Beast War will be much fiercer than before. Last time, the beasts seemed to hide their true strength; this time, it looks like they'll go all out. With our current armies, it's going to be tough to resist.' Nolan Nangong said.
Evan hadn't experienced an Immortal-Beast War before, so he asked, 'Where exactly will the fighting take place? I haven't been in the Immortal Realm long, so there are many things I don't know. I'm sure others are just as unclear—could you explain for us, brother?'
That question earned Evan even more disdainful looks, but he pretended not to notice. Yet Chase Chu, Lena Chu, and Lynn Chu were furious—these people were totally disrespecting their father.
'The Immortal-Beast War breaks out in many places—the seals between the Immortal-Beast regions and the Immortal Realm don't just crack in one spot. Last time, there were three breaches; before that, two. This time, the number isn't clear yet.'
According to scouts, four breach zones have already opened. That's why I say this Immortal-Beast War will be even more intense and dangerous—with our current forces, it's going to be hard to hold them off," Nolan Nangong said.
Has anyone calculated our total troop strength? How were beast forces distributed in past wars, and which directions saw the heaviest deployments? We need clear data to plan," Evan said.
Most forces always concentrate at Heavenshroud Cliff—that's the main beast stronghold and the toughest front. Other breach zones are lighter. The big problem is how to withstand the beast main force at Heavenshroud Cliff; the other fronts are manageable," Nolan Nangong replied.
Evan thought for a moment, then said, "Does anyone have any good ideas? Now's the time for unity—please share your suggestions."
To oppose the main beast army, we need enough troops, a powerful commander, and dozens of top experts. The beasts have far more late-stage Immortal Emperors than we do. To win, we must choose the right commander and generals. I suggest dividing our army into five parts: three for the minor breach zones, two for Heavenshroud Cliff," the elder advised.
The key is the commander and his generals. Split the Immortal Realm's forces into five—three for the smaller breaches, two for Heavenshroud Cliff. That way, we can ensure security," the elder continued.
Evan didn't argue—what the elder said was reasonable, but he didn't fully agree. For now, he smiled and said, "Any other suggestions? We'll adopt the best plan."
'I have no better idea, but the key is the commander. Since we're at Frostbane Imperial Palace, it's logical to choose you, Evan, as supreme commander. But you're too young and only mid-stage Immortal Emperor—can you really handle it? We should pick someone older, stronger, and more experienced,' the late-stage Immortal Emperor challenged...